The study and field of gerontology.
Respond to the following:
Describe the study and field of gerontology.
Identify the different disciplines involved in the field of gerontology.
Discuss how Baby Boomers will influence our views about aging.
Identify major myths and stereotypes associated with aging.
Discuss how living in an age-irrelevant society would impact the concept of optimistic aging.
Sample Solution
Gerontology is the study of aging and older adults. The science of gerontology has evolved as longevity has improved. Researchers in this field are diverse and are trained in areas such as physiology, social science, psychology, public health, and policy. It is a multidisciplinary field of study that draws on the expertise of many disciplines including business, nursing, communication, the arts, sociology and psychology. This field of study combines the knowledge from multiple disciplines which afford a broad perspective and deeper understanding of the conditions that affect the older adult.
The field of gerontology is relatively new, but it has grown rapidly in recent years. This is due in part to the aging of the population. The number of people over the age of 65 is expected to double in the next 40 years, and the number of people over the age of 85 is expected to triple. This demographic shift has created a need for more research and understanding of aging.
There are a number of different disciplines involved in the field of gerontology. These include:
- Biology: Biological gerontology is concerned with the physical changes that occur in the body as people age. This includes changes in the brain, heart, lungs, muscles, and other organs.